The Lao Bible Society (LBS) celebrates the launch and premiere publication of the Study Edition of the Bible in Lao language, a powerful new resource designed to equip Lao believers, pastors, and church leaders with more in-depth tools and information to understand and apply Scripture.

 

On January 25, 2025, over 120 representatives from churches across Laos gathered in the capital city of Vientiane for a Scientific Seminar and the official Launch of the Lao Study Edition of the Bible. The event brought together members of the Lao Evangelical Church (LEC), the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and other local congregations, reflecting a shared thirst for God's Word and its clear application in daily life.

 

In his remarks at the event, a representative of the Lao Bible Society described the launch as a significant moment in the life of the Church in Laos:

 

“We believe that the Scriptures are a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (cf. Psalm 119:105). With the Study Bible in a language close to our hearts, the Lao faithful can better understand the depth and breadth of God's Word for themselves.”

 

A Decade in the Making

The Lao Language Study Edition Bible project began in 2016, when a dedicated team began adapting content from the American Bible Society's Good News Study Bible into the Revised Lao Language Version (RLV 2015). After orientation and training from UBS Translation Consultant, Pastor Dr. Daniel See, the translators began their work, starting with the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. By early 2020, the New Testament was completed and then published in 2021 as the New Testament of Lao Studies.

 

Work continued on adapting the study notes in the Old Testament over the following years, culminating in its completion in 2024. After typesetting and production, 3,000 complete Lao Study Edition Bibles were published by the Korean Bible Society and arrived via Bangkok at the end of last year. The first sample issues of  trials were sent out ahead of the new year, and full nationwide distribution began from the beginning of 2025.

 

Meeting the Growing Spiritual Needs of the Church

The Christian population in Laos, estimated at only 4%, is growing rapidly. With more churches being established and more young people coming to faith, the demand for in-depth biblical materials is becoming more urgent. However, to date, very few spiritual resources or books on Bible study are available in the Lao language.

 

This project was developed in close collaboration with the Lao Evangelical Church (LEC) and other partners, with a vision to serve all churches in the country and the Lao-speaking diaspora worldwide. Many Laotians living abroad in Europe and North America also lack study Bible resources in their own language.

 

By placing the Lao Study Edition of the Bible in the hands of believers, Bible Society leaders hope to equip pastors, youth leaders, and individual Christians to engage with Scripture more deeply, grow in faith, and live out biblical truth in their communities.

 

Executive Director of the Lao Bible Society, Pairanya "Joy" Sahassawas, believes that this Study Edition Bible in Lao language will have a potential impact on the lives of God's people in Laos, he said:  

 

“In the short term, this publication will help believers understand God's Word more clearly, apply it to their daily lives, and grow in their relationship with Christ. In the long term, this publication will strengthen the church by equipping pastors and leaders with sound teaching, fostering spiritual maturity, and preserving biblical truth for generations to come.

 

“We believe that through this Lao Study Edition of the Bible, we are not only providing an essential spiritual resource for today, but also helping to lay a strong and lasting foundation for every Christian believer and church in Laos for generations to come,”he continued.

 

Voice of Gratitude from Young People

Sawith Siboualapha, a church youth shared a testimony about the life-changing benefits of the Lao Language Study Edition of the Bible, he said:

 

“This Bible is more than just a Bible with extra notes— it is a guide that has helped me understand God's Word in a much deeper and clearer way. The Study Bible clearly explains the events of Scripture, why the Bible is important, and how to live  according to God's plan. This Bible helps me apply what I learn in my daily life. Whether I am facing a challenge or making a decision, this Bible is there to guide me… I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Lao Bible Society for publishing this wonderful Study Edition Bible. The vision and hard work of the Bible Society has created a lasting impact on the lives of countless people, including mine.

 

Looking Ahead

The Lao Language Study Edition Bible is more than just a publication; it is a new chapter in the growing engagement with Scripture in Laos. It enables and inspires every believer to read, study, reflect and grow. It also reflects the Lao Bible Society's long-term vision to serve the entire Church by providing accessible, high-quality Bibles and other spiritual resources that meet the needs of every generation.

 

Now that this Study Edition Bible is complete, Sahassawas hopes the Lao Bible Society can translate the Bible into more languages in Laos:

 

“The project we are most looking forward to in the future is Bible translation and engagement, particularly for minority language groups in Laos. Our goal is not only to provide the Word of God in the native languages of these communities, but also to help non-believers understand the Bible.